An ambitious school meal program is ensuring that students from seven schools in the Sea to Sky Corridor will have access to climate-conscious, locally grown food, starting on Sept. 15.
Parents will be given the menu for each month, after opting into the program for the year. Designed to be inclusive, the meals will be free for families that are unable to pay and are otherwise by donation.
The suggested monthly contribution is $120 per month, per student, which is about $6 per lunch.
“We’re focused on launching the program so food can reach as many kids as possible. We’re not able to accommodate allergies now but we’re hoping to in the future,” said Krystle tenBrink, executive director of Squamish Climate Action Network (CAN).
“About half of the meals are vegetarian, and we’re purchasing from two local farms minimum.”
An example of lunches for September include tomato soup with turkey and cheddar sandwich, and chicken salad wrap with carrots and ranch.
The food will be prepared and packaged at the District's The 55 Activity Centre commercial kitchen as part of a five-year lease, and will be overseen by Squamish CAN. The project is a collaboration with School District 48.
Squamish CAN is working with the 55+ Community Society to support their catering needs for this year "and are excited for this new relationship," tenBrink added.
The move to Squamish CAN is a transition of a school meals program over from Squamish Helping Hands.
"Since 2017, the school meals program has been a very important part of our community-led solutions to create a safe and healthy community for everyone in Squamish," said Lori Pyne, executive director of Squamish Helping Hands, in a news release. "It is with great confidence that we transition operations to Squamish CAN as we know they are committed to an integrated approach founded on environmental integrity and shared responsibility to feed vulnerable children and youth."
While Squamish CAN is no stranger to ambitious projects, this is a big one even by its standards.
“This is by far the biggest project we’ve ever taken on. It almost doubles our operation. We have a new team of staff and volunteers who will be joining us on Monday to start training,” said tenBrink.
Squamish CAN believes in mitigating climate change through developing food networks and sourcing ingredients locally. This program makes students active participants in these goals.
“Climate-conscious meals mean it’s an opportunity to have more vegetarian meals, more dairy-free options, and a minimum of 30% of the food is purchased within B.C., with fruits and vegetables where possible coming from Squamish and Pemberton,” tenBrink said.
Making the meals accessible to everyone is a huge priority of this program.
School families will receive a form from their school to complete and return. At any time they can opt out of the program by notifying their school clerk.
Also offered by Squamish CAN, school breakfast clubs will be continuing—without enrolment.
“Inclusive, universal school meals are about more than just food—they’re about dignity, equity, and community,” tenBrink said.
“We are so happy to see the Provincial Feeding Futures and National School Food Program catalyze these partnerships, strengthening communities’ ability to provide healthy meals and strengthen local food systems.”
Delicious and nutritious
The School Meal Program has been enthusiastically embraced by School District 48, as it will radically alter how their students eat everyday.
“We are thrilled to partner with Squamish CAN to ensure students in our Squamish schools have access to delicious, nutritious food,” said Supt. of School District No. 48, Chris Nicholson, in the release about the program.
“This program is a major step forward in supporting student well-being and achievement. We remain committed to providing food programs in all communities served by the district and are excited to grow and enhance these services in the years ahead.”
Mayor Armand Hurford has also thrown his support behind the project.
“We are proud to be able to assist Squamish CAN in helping to provide nourishing meals to our children across the district. On behalf of council and district staff, we send our gratitude … to Squamish CAN for taking on this important role,” he said, in the release.
“It is heartwarming to live in a town where so many community-driven organizations help make Squamish the wonderful place that it is.”
The next step in the project is seeking out the support of more community members, local businesses and farmers through food donations, volunteer time and financial support. They’re hoping to raise $50,000 to support purchasing a vehicle for the daily meal deliveries.
Volunteers interested in getting involved should email head chef Michael Staveley at [email protected].
“This is a community-powered program,” said tenBrink. “If you believe in feeding kids and caring for the planet, we invite you to be part of this movement.”
